Arthroscopy of the shoulder is a common surgical procedure. It is surgery that is very effective in treating shoulder pain when conservative methods have failed.
Shoulder arthroscopy in Boca Raton & Boynton Beach is performed as an outpatient procedure so you can go home and recover on the same day you have your surgery. Recovery can vary, but by following your surgeon’s instructions and with physical therapy, patients will have a successful, full recovery.
Arthroscopy Surgery of the Shoulder in Boca Raton- What to Expect?
One of our orthopedic doctors in Boca Raton performs this minimally invasive surgery as a way of diagnosing and treating pain or damage to the shoulder. Common conditions requiring arthroscopy surgery include a torn rotator cuff or shoulder impingement.
As a minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon will make incisions smaller than a keyhole to insert a tiny camera called an arthroscope. The camera will allow the surgeon to view the joint on a video screen. The incisions made are much smaller compared to open surgery.
With that camera, the surgeon can visualize the source of your injury. They then use small surgical instruments to repair your shoulder.
Still have questions? Rest assured that one of our shoulder specialists in Boca Raton will explain the procedure and recovery instructions before your procedure so you know what to expect.
Shoulder Arthroscopy in Boca Raton & Boynton Beach – Am I a Good Candidate?
Shoulder arthroscopy helps to identify and treat shoulder pain when conservative methods have failed. Often physical therapy, medication, or cortisone injections are tried first for at least six months before your orthopedic doctor considers surgery.
Shoulder arthroscopy can treat a variety of shoulder conditions, including:
- Frozen shoulder
- Torn tendons
- Osteoarthritis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
Shoulder arthroscopy is a safe procedure. Your shoulder specialist in Boca Raton first meets you for a health history and physical exam. If they determine that you are a good candidate, they may also order additional testing, including blood tests, a chest x-ray, or an electrocardiogram, to ensure it is okay to perform the surgery.
Shoulder Arthroscopy – How to Recover After Your Surgery?
Because arthroscopic shoulder surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, you will go home the same day. The surgery itself is usually completed in less than an hour.
After the surgery, you will recover for an hour or two at the outpatient clinic. You may give pain medication, and you must have a ride home. It is helpful to have a friend or family member spend the night with you when you have your surgery.
As with any surgery, you can expect some pain after the procedure. Your doctor will help you with a pain management plan to be comfortable as you recover.
Full recovery varies from weeks to months. It is not unusual to have pain or swelling for several weeks after the procedure. Ice, medication, and a sling are recommended to treat symptoms and protect the shoulder.
Physical therapy and gentle exercise are recommended to improve shoulder movement and strength during recovery. Your therapist will customize your physical therapy treatment plan to your specific needs.
Returning to work depends on the complexity of the surgery. With minor surgery, you may be able to return in a few days. Other patients require more time because the repair was more extensive. You and your surgeon will decide when it is okay to return to work based on how your recovery progresses.
So long as the treatment plan is followed, you will recover faster so you can get back to your daily life!
Orthopedic Surgery Associates—Trusted Orthopedic Doctors in Boynton Beach
If you’d like to find out more about arthroscopy or orthopedic surgeons in Boynton Beach and/or Boca Raton, contact us today and see how we can help you! We are also leaders in the community for sports medicine.
We are Palm Beach County’s leading orthopaedic specialty group, with outpatient surgical offices in both Boynton Beach and Boca Raton. You can rest at ease knowing you chose the right clinic for your orthopedic needs!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.